Amy Poehler (Actress)

Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Actress)

Lena Dunham (Actress)

Edie Falco (Actress)

Taylor Schilling (Actress)

Laurie Metcalf (Actress)

Anna Faris (Actress)

Wild Card: Mindy Kaling (Actress)

In its second season Kaling and her crew truly hit their stride. In addition to being as funny and endearing as ever, Mindy’s romance with Danny (Chris Messina) was deeply affecting.

"The Big Bang Theory"

One of the year’s few sure bets for a nod, Parsons already has three Emmys for his role as fussy Dr. Sheldon Cooper.

<p>"Louie"</p>
<p>The comic continues to revolutionize television and though he already has four Emmys, he has never won for acting.</p>

"House of Lies"

In the Showtime program’s third season, Cheadle’s portrayal of management consultant Marty Kaan took self-loathing to new heights.

"Episodes"

Playing a twisted version of himself, LeBlanc has never been more daring or hilarious, willing to make himself the butt of some pretty harsh jokes.

"Brooklyn Nine-Nine"

He won this year’s Golden Globe and his show is one of the new season’s few bright spots.

"Silicon Valley"

Middleditch seemed to come out of nowhere to shine as reclusive computer programmer Richard Hendriks, ably heading a hilarious ensemble.

"The Big Bang Theory"

Galecki enjoys great chemistry with all his co-stars and is consistently winning as the intelligent but put-upon roommate Leonard.

"Two and a Half Men"

He's won before and voters could be persuaded to nominate him with the popular CBS show entering its final season.

"Parks and Recreation"

She has four nominations for playing lovable, tightly wound Leslie Knope, but just scored a Golden Globe. Could it be the perennial bridesmaid's year?

<p>"Veep"</p>
<p>The reigning queen of comedy, with four Emmys already, it&rsquo;s worth seeing her win again, if only for another great speech.</p>

"Girls"

Much has been made about how Dunham bares her body for the camera, but as an actress she also bears her soul. Her work is consistently funny and fearless.

"Nurse Jackie"

Jackie Peyton, a nurse with an addiction, has endured some of the most dramatic ups and downs on TV, yet Falco’s portrayal is consistently hilarious.

“Orange Is the New Black”

As a privileged woman sent to prison, Schilling was the relatively sane calm at the center of a storm of madcap characters. Her timing was reminiscent of great straight men like Jason Bateman on “Arrested Development.”

"Getting On"

After nine years on “Roseanne,” Metcalf made a welcome return as a series regular playing the put-upon head of an extended care center.

“Mom”

We all know Faris (pictured, middle) is comedy gold, but as a wonderfully flawed character that is all too relatable she gets to play some poignancy as well.

"The Mindy Project"

In its second season Kaling and her crew truly hit their stride. In addition to being as funny and endearing as ever, Mindy’s romance with Danny (Chris Messina) was deeply affecting.

"The Big Bang Theory"

One of the year’s few sure bets for a nod, Parsons already has three Emmys for his role as fussy Dr. Sheldon Cooper.

<p>"Louie"</p>
<p>The comic continues to revolutionize television and though he already has four Emmys, he has never won for acting.</p>

"House of Lies"

In the Showtime program’s third season, Cheadle’s portrayal of management consultant Marty Kaan took self-loathing to new heights.

"Episodes"

Playing a twisted version of himself, LeBlanc has never been more daring or hilarious, willing to make himself the butt of some pretty harsh jokes.

"Brooklyn Nine-Nine"

He won this year’s Golden Globe and his show is one of the new season’s few bright spots.

"Silicon Valley"

Middleditch seemed to come out of nowhere to shine as reclusive computer programmer Richard Hendriks, ably heading a hilarious ensemble.

"The Big Bang Theory"

Galecki enjoys great chemistry with all his co-stars and is consistently winning as the intelligent but put-upon roommate Leonard.

"Two and a Half Men"

He's won before and voters could be persuaded to nominate him with the popular CBS show entering its final season.

"Parks and Recreation"

She has four nominations for playing lovable, tightly wound Leslie Knope, but just scored a Golden Globe. Could it be the perennial bridesmaid's year?

<p>"Veep"</p>
<p>The reigning queen of comedy, with four Emmys already, it&rsquo;s worth seeing her win again, if only for another great speech.</p>

"Girls"

Much has been made about how Dunham bares her body for the camera, but as an actress she also bears her soul. Her work is consistently funny and fearless.

"Nurse Jackie"

Jackie Peyton, a nurse with an addiction, has endured some of the most dramatic ups and downs on TV, yet Falco’s portrayal is consistently hilarious.

“Orange Is the New Black”

As a privileged woman sent to prison, Schilling was the relatively sane calm at the center of a storm of madcap characters. Her timing was reminiscent of great straight men like Jason Bateman on “Arrested Development.”

"Getting On"

After nine years on “Roseanne,” Metcalf made a welcome return as a series regular playing the put-upon head of an extended care center.

“Mom”

We all know Faris (pictured, middle) is comedy gold, but as a wonderfully flawed character that is all too relatable she gets to play some poignancy as well.

"The Mindy Project"

In its second season Kaling and her crew truly hit their stride. In addition to being as funny and endearing as ever, Mindy’s romance with Danny (Chris Messina) was deeply affecting.